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W. WHARTON, J1.

RAILROAD SWITCH.

8 No. 857,488.` Patented Feb. 8, 1887.

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WILLIAM VIIHARTON, JR., OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE THARTON RAILROAD SWITCH COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

, RAILROAD-SWITCH..

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 357,438, dated February 8, 1887.

Application filed October 30, 1885. Serial No. 181404. (No modcl.l l

To aZZ whom, it may concern:

Beit known that I, VVILLTAM Wi-IARTON, Jr., a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invented certain Improvements in RailroadSwitchcs, of which thefollowing is a specification.

` My invention consists of mechanism for automatically restoring the continuity of the main track when the switch is left set for a :o siding."

In the accompanying drawings, Figure I is a plan view of a portion of a railway-track with my improved switch mechanism, the switch being set for the siding; Fig. 2, a side view ofthe switch-stand; Fig. 3, anI end view of the switchstand; Fig. i, a plan view of the track and switch mechanism, the switch being open for the passage of a train on the main track; Figs. 5 and 6, views similar to Figs. 2 ,2O and 3, but with the switch-arm down; Fig. 7, a view of a modified form ot'switch-stand. Fig. 8 is a view of a modifiedV form oi' retainer, and Figs. 9, l0, and 1l views of a modification. A A are the permanent rails of the main track, B B the rails of a siding or turnout, and D D the switch-rails, the switch in this Vinstance being whatis termed a continuous with a usual yielding'section, in order to pci'- mit the lateral movement of the switch-rails by the wheels of an engine or car passing the switch in the direction of thearrow 2, Fig. 1, 4o on the main track.

Situated at right angles to the lever F is an arm, I, pivoted atj, and having an arm, i, of the form shown in Fig. 3, this arm t' serving to retain the lever1 F in the elevated position shown in Figs. 2 and 3 under the circumstances described hereinafter.

The frame of the switch-stand is recessed at a for the reception of .the retainer t', and is beveled at bin order that the retainer may be 5o easily adjusted to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and the end of the retainer is bent to preventl its accidental release from this posi` tion. The opening in the arm I, through which the pivot-pinj passes, is elongated in order to permit the upward movement of the arm I as the bent end of therarm i passes over the switchstand, as will be readily understood by reference to Figs. 3 and 6.

A stop, e', is providedon the stand to limit the outward movement of the arm I. The 6o arm I .is attached to a laterally-movable rail,

M, preferably by a wire rope, n, in the manner shown in Figs. l and. 4, the distance between the switch and the movable raiI M being greater than the length ofthe train. 6

The operation of the mechanism is as follows: Under ordinary circumstances the switch would be open and the main track clear, as shown in Fig. 4, so that through trains can pass; but when the switch is approached by a 7o train which has to pass onto the siding the lever F must beeievated in order to set the switch for the siding, as shown in Fig. 1. IIhe lever F is held in this position by the retainer t', and itis the duty ofthe train-hand to with- 75 draw the retainer and permit the lever F to fall, so as to again set the switch for the main track when his train has passed onto the siding.

My invention eftectually provides against any accident occurring by reason of the train- 8o hand neglecting his duty, for as the retainert is adjusted to the position shown in Figs. l and 3, so as to hold the switch-lever in position after setting the switch for the siding, the

rail M is drawn close up to the rail A of the main track, so that the flange of a wheel of an engine or car approaching the switch in the direction of the arrow l, Fig. l, will cause such a lateral movement of said rail M as will eii'ect the withdrawal of the retainer i, thus permite go ting the fall of the lever F and the consequent positive withdrawal of the switch-rails D D Y to the position shown in Fig. 4, whereby the main track is made clear for the safe passage of a train.

A switchdever acted upon by a spring, as shown, for instance, in. Fig. 7, may, it'desired, be used in place of the weighted lever shown in the other gures.

If atrain passed along the main track in roo the direction of the arrow 2, Fig. l, while the switch-rails were set for the siding, the said.

rails would be moved laterally by the flanges of the wheels as the latter passed the switch, thespring-section in the rod g permitting these movements and restoring the rails to the position shown after each movement; but in case it is not desired to subject the switch-rails to the wear which this causes, a raihM, may be used both before and behind the switch, the

retainer 'i forming part of a lever, I', Fig. 8,

which is connected to both rails M, so that said retainer would be withdrawn by a train approaching the switch in either direction.

A movable rail is not absolutely necessary as a means of operating the retainer, as the cord a may, for instance, be connected to a lever, N, located adjacent to the track and adapted to be struck and moved by a toe or projection, P, on the locomotive or car ofa train, as shown in Fig. 9, this toe or projection being preferably pivoted or otherwise movable, so that it can be thrown into or out of range of the lever N, as shown in Figs. 10 i and l1, according as it is desired to open the main track or allow the switch to remain set for the siding.

I claim as my inventionm 1. The combination of a switch and a lever, F, connected thereto and acted upon by a spring or weight directly connected thereto, with an arm or lever, l, having a retainer, 1 whereby said switch-lever is supported, and a releasing device connected to said retainer arm or lever, located at a distance from the switch, all substantially as set forth.

2. The combination ofthe switch and the lever F, connected thereto and acted upon by a spring or weight directly connected thereto, the switch-stand,"and the pivoted arm or lever l, having a retainer, 1', with bent end for engaging with said stand and preventing the accidental release of the retainer, as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

W l LLl A M VH ARTON, JR.

Witnesses:

HENRY Howso'N, HARRY SMITH. 

